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Friday, 27 December 2013

Four of us were daft enough to go for a two-hour walk in the continuous rain. It was that cheeky kind of rain that looks like a slight drizzle, but actually soaks you when you are not paying attention. We soldiered on, hoods up and umbrellas dripping, walking fast to keep warm, deviating a little from the norm to try a couple of new paths. It wasn't the best of days (now there's an understatement!) but the air was fresh, we got plenty of exercise and at the end of the walk, in response to a kind invitation from Ingeborg, those of us who were able to make it were treated to coffee and Christmas cakes in her lovely warm home.

Monday, 23 December 2013

It was a cold and windy day when we set off for our walk around the lakes in Tervuren Park, but the brisk pace soon warmed us up! We enjoyed our hot chocolate and coffee in the ever-welcoming Mont Blanc.

Friday, 20 December 2013

The sun shone brightly today for our walk around the beautiful abbey of Rouge-Cloitre in Auderghem.
We were all happy to take a break from holiday preparations.....
We met up with the Easy Walkers at the end of our walk, and they more than doubled our collection of Red Coats for the final picture. Afterwards we all went to the Kawa creperie where we were welcomed with good coffee. Thank you Yuko for organising this lovely walk for us today!

Monday, 16 December 2013

A number of us met on the steps of the Cathedral of Sts. Michel & Gudule for a sunny walk around Brussels - it really was a beautiful winter's day.

We walked through the Galeries Royale St. Hubert and to the Grand Place, where we posed in front of the Creche.

We then went on to the Mannekin Pis, and in this picture you can just catch a glimpse of the friendly chocolate shop which refused to let us try the chocolates they were offering to tempt us in!

Then it was up to the remnant of the old city walls in Rue de Villers, which we have visited before but which have been given a thorough cleaning up and look beautiful now.

On our way back to the Mont des Arts we passed through the Gallery Bortier with its peaceful and special atmosphere.

When we made it to the top of the steps at the Mont des Arts we had a wonderful view back.

We then made our way to Parc Royale via the steps beside the Bozar, and paused to admire this Folon statue which is a memorial to disappeared children.

Circling back to the rear of the cathedral we passed 'Scorpion'

And Margaret pointed out the impressive skyline of mixed architectural styles.

This is Gaston Lagaffe, who stands on the road above the Comic Strip museum (unfortunately closed today).

Next thing we knew we were walking through Place des Martyrs, where we paused to wave 'Hello Helen'!

After cutting through the Passage du Nord off Rue Neuve, we found our way to the Beguinage Church (currently housing Afghan refugees), crossed the Christmas Market and along a passageway to Rue du Flandre, where Cecile had the brilliant idea of introducing us to La Bellone: theatre and cultural complex.

From here we crossed Antoine Dansaert and visited the Zinnekin Pis on the corner of Rue des Chartreux and Rue Saint-Christophe, before ending at Taverne Greenwich: not the greatest coffee in the world, but it makes up for this in beauty. The toilets may be famous, but in making the renovation the builders ensured that they retained not just their original Art Nouveau beauty but also their authentic smell!

Friday, 13 December 2013

Another crisp sunny day, perfect for a brisk walk. Afterwards some of us went to THAT PLACE for refreshments. For once we arrived before Sheila's group, but they soon joined us and we all enjoyed treats offered by *** to atone for an earlier mistake, which no-one had even noticed and over which a veil shall be drawn here... but hey, thanks for the chocs - they were delicious!
One member modelled the last word in ... hand? - no! footwear. (scroll to end to view).

Monday, 9 December 2013

Jane had organised a nice sunny afternoon for our walk in the forest.
We visited all our usual photo spots and some ladies had fun in the playground.....
We continued our conversations and enjoyed our coffee at Istas after the walk.